The Nigeria Police Force has made a significant breakthrough in its fight against cybercrime, with the arraignment of 113 foreign nationals involved in sophisticated cyber-related criminal activities.
This was announced by the police spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi on Monday.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun reaffirmed the police’s expertise and commitment to securing Nigeria’s cyberspace.
The suspects, who were apprehended on November 3, in Jahi, a suburb of the Federal Capital Territory, were part of an international syndicate engaging in crimes such as internet fraud, marketing scams, and unauthorized data breaches.
The arrest followed an operation led by the National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) and Zone 7 Command of the Nigeria Police Force.
During the operation, investigators recovered an extensive array of high-tech equipment used in the suspects’ cybercrime activities.
These included laptops, smartphones, servers, drones, routers, game consoles, and other advanced cyber tools.
Additional items such as international passports, identity cards, and travel documents were also seized, suggesting links to illegal immigration and human trafficking networks.
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The arrested suspects have been charged before the Federal High Court in Abuja. The charges range from computer-related fraud and unlawful access to data to money laundering and conspiracy.
The arraignment marks the culmination of extensive investigations, which exposed the syndicate’s activities spanning cybercrime and other transnational crimes.
The IGP emphasised the force’s commitment to leveraging technology and international partnerships to combat cybercrime.
“We will continue to collaborate with international law enforcement agencies and embassies to prosecute cybercriminals and dismantle transnational criminal networks,” he said.
Mr Egbetokun said the police remain resolute in its mission to protect citizens in both physical and digital spaces and assured the public that they of well-equipped to address the challenges posed by the evolving nature of cybercrime.
